Frustration set in with the engine issues so a diversion was in order. The quick throw shifter kit designed and fabricated by Gerard Chateauvieux (Gerard’s Garage) was installed. The shifter and the installation process are described in this post https://valvechatter.com/?p=13520 which is located in the Personalizations category of the Bugeye site.
Monthly Archives: November 2022
Speedwell Ignition Timing Pointer
Trying to use a timing light to set ignition timing is extremely difficult given that the pointer on the timing cover used for alignment with the notch on the crank pulley is at the bottom of the engine.
Tom Colby at Speedwell Engineering https://www.speedwellengineering.com/ignition-timing-pointer-kit/ makes a stainless steel pointer that can be used to move the timing process to the top of the pulley. This is from the Speedwell website:
A duplicate of the 1968 Works BMC Le Mans timing pointer makes for timing the ignition system much easier by moving it to the top side of the engine. The Polished Stainless Steel Pointer (with a flanged nut installed, eliminating need for washers!) is easily installed by removing a timing cover bolt and installing it in place of the bolt. Once top dead center is achieved, just apply the adhesive backed laser-etched stainless steel timing tape to the crankshaft pulley and you’re ready for precision timing with a timing light. Complete with instruction sheet. 100% Made in the USA
This is a short video showing the installation of the ignition pointer. Installation required draining the coolant and removing the radiator.
https://vimeo.com/744799541/45b0311e75
Quick Throw Short-shifter for the Bugeye
We always wanted to use the original cover for the gearbox shifter because it just seems so uniquely Sprite/Midget. However, we installed a Datsun 210 gearbox so we had to use a leather boot since the gear shift fouled against the cover.
We were able to purchase what we believe to be the last quick throw gear shift assembly that Gerard Chateauvieux (Gerard’s Garage) fabricated. This will give us the benefit of the short throw or shifting and we should be able to use the original cover. Gerard’s kit is very nicely machined.
The Episode Four video shows the shifter conversion
https://vimeo.com/744791938/346e976572
Leather Boot used with 210 gearbox shifter
Original Cover with Gerard’s Gear Shift
The Bugeye Engine
It is mid-August 2022 and I am at a loss to explain why the engine ran previously, but doesn’t want to now! There is background on the engine, and its enhancements over the years, in the Bugeye Blog. The following video – Episode Three – shows the steps taken to get the engine to fire.
Condition Assessment 8/22
A “walk around” video was made for the record. The soft top and it’s mounting fasteners are highlighted at about 6:34 into the video. The soft top frame is also shown and discussed. The “stiffener” rails for the front and rear of the top are shown.
The side curtains are also shown in some detail. Episode One is primarily the exterior of the car:
https://vimeo.com/738075416/9d2f97de20
Episode Two focuses on the Interior of the car and at about 4:30 into the video shows the failure of the engine to start.
https://vimeo.com/744768194/d735f8b765